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Animal Rescue Jobs in Wilson, NC (NOW HIRING)

Johnston County

Animal Shelter Attendant

Smithfield, NC

$38K - $64K/yr

The animal shelter is extremely busy with lots of hands-on animal care in addition to providing excellent customer service to the general public. Responsibilities include processing incoming animals ...

Wendell Animal Hospital

Dog Groomer

Wendell, NC · On-site

Wendell Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time dog groomer to join our dedicated staff in Wendell, just 30 minutes east of Raleigh. Why Wendell Animal Hospital Wendell Animal Hospital is a full ...

Wilson County Government

TELECOMMUNICATOR

Wilson, NC

$45K - $75K/yr

... animal enforcement, rescue squads, emergency medical services, etc.; receives and screens complaints and requests for service by telephone, computer terminal or radio; obtains necessary information ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Wilson, NC

Animal Rescue information

See Wilson, NC salary details

$8

$18

$24

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Wilson, NC is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability in this field.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Wilson, NC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Wilson, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Wilson, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Wilson, NC are:
What cities near Wilson, NC are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Wilson, NC with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Wilson, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,267 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Animal Shelter Attendant

Johnston County

Smithfield, NC

$38K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Description Johnston County Animal Services is hiring for a full-time animal shelter attendant. An employee in this class performs a variety of duties associated with the care and maintenance of the animal shelter.

The animal shelter is extremely busy with lots of hands-on animal care in addition to providing excellent customer service to the general public. Responsibilities include processing incoming animals, data entry, animal examinations, vaccinations and treatments as determined by a veterinarian. Work requires that the employee keeps animal containment areas clean and sanitized; maintains the facility grounds; and ensures the safety and health of animals within the facility.

The employee feeds and cares for the animals housed in the shelter, but must also euthanize animals on an as-needed basis. Work also requires the employee to maintain supplies, equipment, and necessary records. The employee is subject to hazards associated with animals and animal care including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as atmospheric conditions, noise, vibration, vicious animals, and physical conditions.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Shelter Supervisor and is evaluated through observation and review of reports. Duties and Responsibilities Maintains the animal shelter; cleans and disinfects cages; performs general upkeep of the grounds; and maintains an inventory of facility supplies. Houses a variety of animals collected by the officers assigned to animal control; feeds and waters animals; euthanizes animals; and disposes of dead animals.

Maintains appropriate records; answers general inquires concerning adoption of pets and lost and found animals. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of the operations, functions, procedures, and legal processes of the animal shelter. Working knowledge of the methods of safely caring for animals.

Working knowledge of breeds of animals to aid in identification of lost pets and know aggressiveness of various breeds. Ability to deal constructively and tactfully with the public. Ability to maintain accurate reports.

Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective public relations with the community. Desired Education and Experience Completion of high school and some experience in caring for animals; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.

Other duties may be assigned. Important Pre-Employment Information: If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire. A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.

A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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